Cricket: Smith hails South Africa's character after rout

South Africa's Makhaya Ntini gives the thumbs-up to spectators during the match against Pakistan. Picture / Reuters

MOHALI, India - Captain Graeme Smith hailed South Africa's character after qualifying for the Champions Trophy semi-finals with a 124-run hammering of Pakistan today.

"Justin Kemp and Mark Boucher stood up and showed a lot of character," Smith told reporters. "That is what this team is about and they epitomised that."

Wicketkeeper Boucher (69) and all rounder Kemp (64) put on 131 for the sixth wicket to rescue South Africa after slumping to 42 for five on a seaming pitch after winning the toss.

Strike bowler Makhaya Ntini then captured five for 21, his second best one-day international figures, to skittle Pakistan for 89.

The Proteas topped Group B by virtue of a better net run-rate ahead of fellow qualifiers New Zealand.

South Africa play in the second semi-final in Jaipur on Thursday against the Group A runners-up.

World champions Australia play hosts India in the must-win final Group A league tie in Mohali on Sunday to decide the second qualifier alongside title holders West Indies.

Smith expressed surprise at the lively Mohali pitch.

"Even in South Africa you don't get too many wickets that do as much as that," he said.

"But even on a track like this we had to bowl the ball in the right areas. I thought Pakistan did it superbly up front but we were just terrific in the field."

He praised Ntini for slicing through the early batting.

"If they had got off to a good start, it would have been difficult," said Smith.

He added that it was important to take early wickets bowling under the lights before the dew set in.

"The dew is still there," he said. "The key is how well we bowl before it makes an impact."

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer criticised his batsmen for letting down the team after excellent work by the bowlers led by pacemen Umar Gul, who took three for 36 and Rao Iftikhar (2-26).

"A defeat like this is disappointing, we are disappointed for the Pakistan public," he said. "We let them down.

"Our batting was abject," he said. "Our fielding and bowling was excellent."

Pakistan were reduced to 27 for six in 10 overs, after a top order slump also led to Wednesday's 51-run defeat against New Zealand.

"Winning the toss on this pitch, chasing or whatever is a bit of a lottery," said Woolmer. "It will be interesting to see the Australia versus India pitch when they play.

"We need to learn to play on these types of pitches," he said. "Our players play a lot away from the body."

- REUTERS